Statement released by the International Summit on Human Gene Editing, and related news links. #GeneEditing #CRISPR

Here is the link to the International Summit on Human Gene Editing Organizing Committee's statement on gene editing.

http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12032015a

It's a fairly brief statement in comparison to the Hinxton report, but it makes its points.   Some may be surprised that an outright moratorium - or even more permanent restrictions - on germline gene editing were not called for specifically in the statement.   Instead the tone leaves the door open.  I think this is in keeping with the idea that it is conceptually possible that at some point in the future, germline modification might be safe and effective enough for preventing certain diseases that it would be ethically permissible - at least in come cases.

However, there are certainly strong notes of caution in the document - in particular, that germline gene editing to produce actual babies is clearly still too risky at this time.  At the same time, the statement leaves the door open for research in embryos that may shed light on these issues, while also possibly be very beneficial from a basic science perspective.

News reports:

The Guardian:  Summit rules out ban on gene editing embryos destined to become people.

LA Times: International gene editing conference declines to ban eventual use in humans.

Nature: Gene-editing summit supports some research in human embryos.

Reuters: Gene summit organizers urge caution on human gene editing.

Finally, here's a link to a good piece in STAT about the whole summit.

International summit on human gene editing is occurring now in DC. Live webcast. #geneediting #CRISPR

Link to webcast:

http://www.nationalacademies.org/gene-editing/Gene-Edit-Summit/index.htm